Extension in Mahnomen County

View all Mahnomen County contacts.

Rebekah Donner, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 218-935-2226

Ashleigh Omlid-Joorawon, Extension support staff
[email protected] or 218-935-2226

Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training. Learn more about Extension by visiting our about page and by browsing this website. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

This section will be updated in preparation for the 2025 Mahnomen County Fair. You may review the information below at any time, please keep in mind that information and policies may be updated, changed, or removed. Links will be activated when that information is available. 

Fair registration and FairEntry

• Get Ready for the Fair!
• Mahnomen FairEntry register projects for the fair here. Login with your 4H Online email and password. (Registration opens on May 14, 2025.)
• Registration information letter
• Register 4-H project entries help (also includes link to help with animal ID)
• Animal ID requirements table
• MN Board of Animal Health Exhibition Requirements
• FairEntry: Detailed registration instruction for families
• Food Stand card form
• Premium book
• Share the Fun day information. This is a new showcase experience we are doing this year. Public Presentations, Fashion Revue, Performing Arts, and Engineering Design Challenge will be exhibited and judged on this day.  
• MN 4-H at the county fairs state resource page

Premium Auction

• Premium Auction information
• Example script for use with potential buyers

Volunteering

We are always looking for people willing to assist us during the fair. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested.

Club forms

• Printable registration form OR Online registration form
• Club banner evaluation
• Effective hints for club banners
• Community Pride evaluation sheet

General Exhibit forms

• Oversized exhibit approval form
• Share the Fun day registration form

Livestock projects

• Herdsmanship & Stall Decorating score card

Exhibitor Resources

• 4-H Exhibit Ideas
• 4-H Exhibit Planner

4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. We offer online, small group and independent learning experiences for youth of all ages. In 4-H, youth choose the topic they find interesting and caring adults support their learning and leadership. From agronomy to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures, 4-H has just the right learning experience for young people.

There are many ways to participate in 4-H!

There are also many ways adults (anyone age 18+) can support youth learning and leading in 4-H. 

• Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?

  • Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and the community

  • Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community. In Mahnomen, you can contact the Extension office at 218-935-2226.

• Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?

  • Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process

Rebekah Donner, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 218-935-2226

Give to Mahnomen County 4-H

Direct donations can be made by contacting the Extension office.  Other gifting options can be explored by clicking the button below. 

Give today

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• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Mahnomen county. These programs are open to families and individuals of all ages who are eligible for benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or who meet Extension’s program income guidelines.

Programs are offered in community settings such as food shelves, schools, community centers and public housing sites. The programs are free to all individuals and families who meet income guidelines, and may be offered in multiple languages, depending on the audience needs and availability of educators.

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

Extension engages Minnesotans to strengthen the social, civic, economic and technological capacity of their communities. We help create vibrant communities and enhance skills and knowledge in economics, leadership and civic engagement, and tourism.

Check our community research page for reports on county and community-focused topics relating to local economics, retaining businesses, growing retail markets, developing tourism, and more.

Local programs can be offered in collaboration with local community organizations and government agencies. Current programs include:

• Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (MARL)
• Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program (ELP)

Contact an educator in your area for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.

Minnesota is a great place to explore, understand and conserve the natural landscape. Extension education, volunteer and community science programs encourage people to become stewards of Minnesota’s public and private lands.

Volunteer. Natural resources volunteers track invasive species, detect forest pests and count native bees, among many other activities. You also can study to become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.

Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) connect Greater Minnesota communities and University of Minnesota knowledge and resources to support local sustainability projects.

Working in partnership, RSDP supports community-driven projects in four focus areas: agriculture and food systems, clean energy, natural resources, and resilient communities. Projects are supported by boards made up of local community members and University faculty and staff.

Learn more about RSDP’s recent work in your county and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.